One woman said she had been driven to prostitution after waiting for Universal Credit. Posed by model

She told the BBC: "I didn't go out looking for it, I said no at first ... it wasn't until about three weeks later that I said 'OK, yeah,' because I thought I need to, because I need money.

"It's something I never ever thought I would be ever capable of doing.

"I'm very disappointed and ashamed of myself."

MPs warned the Government just last month that women were being forced into prostitution to try and make ends meet while waiting for Universal Credit - but ministers have said no one will be worse off on the new system.

A raft of changes to the Universal Credit programme will mean Brits can earn more money before getting their benefits slashed and will have to wait only three weeks for some payments - but those changes won't come into play for months.

MATT IN THE RING

The former Cabinet minister admitted there were problems in the system but has vowed to "fix them" as the system can transform lives.

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: "No one has to face hardship on Universal Credit, and 100% advances are available from day one of a claim."

The Government was "committed to tackling the harm and exploitation that can be associated with prostitution," they said.

Women on Universal Credit being driven to prostitution, MP Frank Field says

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.